EMIRATES - Emirates has launched its third daily service to Birmingham, with Flight EK41 from Dubai arriving at Birmingham International Airport at 07:05. On board the inaugural flight of this service were passengers originating from more than 15 different cities to Birmingham, including Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, demonstrating Emirates' global connectivity. The flight also brought a First Class experience direct to Birmingham in a first for the region. With the addition of the third daily service from Birmingham, Emirates now operates 119 non-stop flights per week from the UK to Dubai where passengers can connect to Emirates' global network, which spans over 145 destinations across six continents in 84 countries. The new daily service between Dubai and Birmingham is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three class configuration offering eight Private Suites in First Class, 42 Business Class seats and 310 Economy Class seats per day, as well as 23 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. It adds seven more inbound flights a week to Birmingham, increasing passenger and cargo capacity on the route by 42 per cent. Laurie Berryman, vice president, UK, at Emirates, said: "Birmingham is an important international business hub, and the wider Midlands region is a leading tourist destination. "Increasing our capacity in Birmingham will improve the city's global connectivity and give customers across our network and in the Midlands greater flexibility in their travel plans." Emirates started flying to Birmingham in December 2000 when it launched the route with a daily non-stop service, operated by a 278-seat Airbus A330.

 

UNITED STATES(RHODE ISLAND & SOUTH EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS) - Severe storms in the US state of Rhode Island and south eastern Massachusetts caused damages to multiple power lines, which left as many as 100,000 people without power on 4 August. Approximately 40,000 people remain without power in Rhode Island, and up to an additional 1,300 in Massachusetts, on 5 August. The worst-affected areas in Rhode Island are Providence and Kent counties. It is unclear when all power is expected to be restored. In light of the outages, disruptions should be expected to banking, internet, telecommunications, transportation and other electronics-based services over the immediate-term; these may continue after power is restored. In addition, storm debris on several roads across the affected areas is likely to cause travel delays in the near-term. Persons in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are advised to monitor local media, where possible, for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to allow for increased journey times in and around the affected areas.
 

UNITED KINGDOM - Heathrow Terminal 5 has today opened its first independent lounge. Aspire, the Lounge and Spa at LHR T5" is located near the terminal's Gate A18 and is available to all passengers using the terminal, regardless of their class of travel. It is T5's first non-British Airways' lounge. The 4,000 sq ft lounge is being operated by Priority Pass owner Collinson Group and ground handler Swissport. It is open daily from 05.00 to 23.00. Priority Pass members will have access to the lounge as part of their membership, while non-members can use the lounge for three hours for £35 when booked in advance through executivelounges.com or £40 at reception on the day, subject to availability.

 

GREECE - Several Greek domestic and international flights were cancelled on Wednesday as air traffic controllers went on strike at the height of the tourism season, asking for European-based reforms to be brought in to civil aviation services. At Athens airport, Greece's biggest, about 22 flights were called off and 173 rescheduled due to the four-hour stoppage, said an airport spokeswoman. The civil aviation authority said it could not provide figures on how many flights were cancelled across the country but had informed passengers about possible delays. The controllers, who are striking from 1100 to 1500 GMT, want their government agency to be restructured and an independent one set up in line with European Union rules. They say that this will help the country deal with staff shortages and a lack of funds for the maintenance of air traffic control systems. Cash-strapped Greece is struggling to clinch a new bailout deal with its international lenders to stay afloat in the euro zone and get its economy back on its feet. Tourism is a major cash earner, accounting for about one fifth of Greece's economic output. The air traffic controller's union has threatened to step up action from Aug. 14 if the government does not respond to its demands.

INDONESIA - The latest round of flight disruption out of Bali due to volcanic ash could continue till the weekend.

Jetstar has joined Virgin Australia in cancelling flights in and out of Bali Ngurah Rai Airport for the rest of the day, as north-westerly winds blow ash over Denpasar. The airlines are constantly reassessing flight conditions, but the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre is forecasting the winds to persist for several days. "We're expecting winds in that general direction for the next few days," said a meteorologist with the VAAC, Bri Macpherson. "There's a low in the mid-levels of the atmosphere to the south of Java and that's directing these north-westerly winds."

 

NORWAY(OSLO) - A major security operation to dispose of a suspicious object is currently underway at the Blindern campus of the University of Oslo, north west of the city centre, on 5 August. A number of roads in the area have been cordoned off while the campus itself has been evacuated. Additionally, the Blindern metro station has been closed pending the successful disposal of the suspicious object. The security operation is expected to conclude in the coming hours; localised traffic disruptions should be expected in the interim. Persons in Oslo are advised to monitor local media for further updates on the situation and obey all directives issued by the authorities. Furthermore, disruptions to travel should be anticipated.

KENYA(REMBA ISLAND) - A rescue and recovery operation is underway in Kenya's Lake Victoria on 5 August following a boat collision near Remba Island. A passenger ferry carrying as many as 200 passengers and crewmen capsized as a result of the collision late on 4 August. At least 30 people reportedly drowned; the figure may rise. Further details regarding the accident are unknown. Disruptions to ferry services should be anticipated in the coming days. Clients should plan for disruptions associated with ferry travel in the coming days and contact their respective travel provider to confirm the status of services. While ferries in Kenya are generally safe and reliable, clients should only make use of reputable ferries that are authorised to carry tourists. Clients are advised to enquire about safety precautions and protocols prior to boarding.
 

INDIA(MADHYA PRADESH STATE) - Two passenger trains derailed over a bridge in central India while crossing a track that was flooded by heavy monsoon rains, killing at least 24 people, officials said Wednesday. More than 300 people have been rescued. The Kamayani Express was on its way to Mumbai when it derailed late Tuesday night near the town of Harda in Madhya Pradesh state, while the Janata Express was traveling in the opposite direction when it derailed soon after. The trains were crossing a small bridge near the rain-swollen Machak River, about 950 kilometers (590 miles) south of New Delhi. Another train had passed the same culvert 10 minutes before the first derailment without any problem, but then a flash flood caused part of the track to sink into the rain-soaked ground, said A.K. Mittal, a senior railway officer. Six coaches from the Kamayani Express and the engine and four coaches from the Janata Express derailed. The accident occurred just before midnight, and although rescue workers soon reached the site, their efforts were hampered by the darkness, officials said. At least two coaches had been partially submerged in the mud, said railway official Anil Saksena. While most people had been pulled to safety, rescue workers were still searching for passengers likely trapped. Dozens of trains have been blocked from moving due to the accident, while others have been diverted to other routes.

 

SOUTH AFRICA(NAMAKGALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE) - An ongoing protest against a local mining company in Namakgale township, approximately 10km east of Phalaborwa, has reportedly caused disruptions to traffic on 5 August. Protesters have blockaded a number of roads in the area, including the major R71 and R40 highways. A large police presence has been reported in the vicinity of the township; however, police have been unable to enter the settlement as they are clearing rocks and burnt out vehicles from the streets. Tensions in Namakgale are expected to remain elevated over the near-term; further vandalism of vehicles and isolated skirmishes with police are likely. This may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients should avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to exercise increased security awareness.

 

TAJIKISTAN/KYRGYZSTAN(BATKEN/SUGHD PROVINCES) - According to reports released on 5 August, an increased security force presence remains in place along the shared border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in the provinces of Sughd and Batken respectively following low-level violence there on 3 and 4 August. The violence took place in the village of Kok-Tash, on the Kyrgyz side of the border, after residents from the village of Chorkuh, on the Tajik side, blocked a road that residents from Kok-Tash use to access a local cemetery. Kyrgyz residents responded by blocking a canal that carries water into Chorkuh. Tensions escalated further after residents gathering on opposing sides of the border threw stones at each other; isolated gunshots were also reported. A number of injuries were reported, some of them serious. The incident is the result of the ongoing disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan over the demarcation of border areas across the fertile Ferghana Valley region, which spans both countries; they have been unable to agree on the exact location of the border following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Russia established borders for the Central Asian republics that were not drawn along ethnic lines or natural geographic boundaries and created enclaves in the border regions. Border disputes of this nature occur fairly regularly; accordingly, further incidents are possible in the short- to medium-term. In response to the recent incident, the increased security force presence is likely to result in localised travel disruptions in the affected area for the near-term at least. Persons in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan's shared border area are advised to maintain heightened levels of caution and follow the directives of local security forces. Persons intending to travel to or near the affected border area are advised to consult with the local authorities prior to departure to check the operational status of the crossings.

CAMEROON(TCHAKARMARI VILLAGE) - According to reports, Tchakarmari village, located near Cameroon's northern border, was attacked by militants late on 4 August. At least nine people were fatally wounded while at least 100 reportedly kidnapped. Further details regarding the incident are currently unavailable. Tchakarmari is located north of Maroua, where a series of attacks were launched by suspected Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, on 22 and 25 July. While there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for this recent attack, suspicion is likely to fall on Boko Haram. The Nigeria-based militant group maintains an operational presence in Cameroon's Far North Region and has conducted a number of armed attacks in the region. With the Cameroonian government conducting counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram along areas bordering Nigeria and Cameroon's Far North Region, further such attacks are expected to persist. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Cameroon's Far North Region is advised against, as well as to within 50km of Cameroon's shared border with Nigeria. Clients in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - At least two soldiers have been killed and five more injured in a suspected militant attack in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state on 5 August. The incident took place on the highway near the city of Udhampur, in the eponymous district. According to reports, a group of suspected militants dressed in military fatigues opened fire on a convoy on the NH44 (formerly NH1A) highway, who in return opened fire. In addition to the troop casualties, two militants were killed. The remainder of the militants subsequently fled, taking three local civilians hostage. The affected part of the highway has been closed following the incident. The incident comes amid an additional deployment of 7,500 soldiers, who have been tasked with providing additional security for the annual Amarnath Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage that is underway in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is possible the militants were seeking to target this event; indeed, in 2000, approximately 30 pilgrims were killed in an attack by Kashmiri separatists from the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant group. Irrespective of the motivation for the attack, localised disruptions to travel should be expected in the short-term as the NH44 is the primary highway in Jammu and Kashmir state. Increased security checkpoints and roadblocks are also possible. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients in the state are advised to avoid all concentrations of security force personnel and anticipate road travel and other disruptions as a result of the increased security measures.

 

SERBIA - The US Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, issued a message on 4 August stating that Serbia will observe a day of mourning on 5 August to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Operation Storm, the last major battle of the Croatian War of Independence, during which many Serbian nationals were killed or displaced in Croatia. The embassy has warned its citizens to avoid all related commemorative events, including any possible events near the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade (Kneza Milosa Street). In addition, the embassy stated that it anticipated large crowds, police deployments and road closures for the high-profile football match between FK Partizan and Steaua Bucuresti. The match is due to start at 19:00 local time at the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade's Dedinje area. The forthcoming commemorative event may result in gatherings in towns and cities across the country. Many of these may display a strongly anti-Croatian sentiment. The risk of low-level acts of violence exists. Football-related violence is also an ongoing threat at major fixtures in Serbia. The risk of further violence at the event on 5 August also exists. Clients in Serbia are advised to avoid all large public gatherings on 5 August. Caution is advised in key locations, including the Croatian Embassy and Partizan Stadium.

 

GUINEA(KALOUM, CONAKRY) - Journalists and civil society organisations in Guinea are expected to conduct an anti-government demonstration in the country's capital, Conakry, on 5 August. Protesters are anticipated to gather at the Senegalese mosque in Sandervalia and proceed to the Ministry of Human Rights and Civil Liberties; the march is set to conclude at the High Authority for Communication, where a demonstration will be held. Further details are unavailable. The National Council of Guinean Civil Society Organisations and Guinean Online Press Association have called for a demonstration in opposition to the unresolved disappearance of a journalist, Cherif Diallo, on 23 July. Government authorities are accused of deliberately delaying investigations. Although the protest gathering is expected to conclude peacefully, incidents of low-level violence have occurred frequently in Guinea in recent years. Furthermore, such gatherings are likely to result in localised travel disruptions along the march route and within the vicinity of the protest location. Clients in Conakry on 5 August are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as the possibility of violence cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the protest event is expected to result in significant localised travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

 

PERU(PUNTA DE BOMBON, ISLAY PROVINCE) - Protests against the Tia Maria mining project are expected to take place in Punta de Bombon district, located in Peru's Islay province on 5 August. Details pertaining to the protest have not been disclosed. Recent protests have taken place in other areas of Islay, including the Dean Valdivia and Cocachacra districts on 3 and 4 July. The protests follow the lifting of the state of emergency in the Arequipa region on 23 July, which was declared by the government in response to disruptive and at times violent unrest over the issue. Protesters allege that the mine will pollute the environment. The epicentre of the anti-mining protests has been Islay province, where local farmers and activists have previously held numerous demonstrations in opposition to the Tia Maria mining project. Further such protests are possible in Islay and across the Arequipa region in the near-term. Protesters have regularly blocked both major and minor roads, including the Pan American Highway (Peru Highway 1). Additionally, despite the lifting of the state of emergency, an increased security presence remains in the affected areas. The possibility of violent clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Persons operating in the Arequipa region are advised to monitor local media for updates on any protest action. All street protests and unofficial roadblocks should be avoided as a standard precaution.

 EGYPT(ISMAILIA, SUEZ & PORT SAID GOVERNORATES) - Egypt is set to unveil upgrades to the Suez Canal (New Suez Canal) on 6 August. The official ceremony will be held in the city of Ismailia and will be attended by various international heads of states and numerous prominent local personalities. Ahead of the event, Egypt has deployed thousands of additional police and military personnel to the Suez Canal area (Ismailia, Suez and Port Said governorates). Security has also been increased on roads leading to Ismailia to secure delegates travelling from nearby regions, including the capital, Cairo. Increased surveillance at international borders has also been announced. The infrastructure expansion project is highly symbolic and has significant national importance. As such, opponents of the regime, including Islamist extremist groups, may seek to launch attacks in the Suez Canal area to disrupt the event and promote their agendas. The possibility of a successful incursion and attack will be mitigated by the extensive security currently deployed to safeguard the opening ceremony location and canal. Persons travelling through Ismailia, Suez and Port Said governorates over the near-term should expect possible road travel disruptions due to the elevated security, which could include additional checkpoints. Clients intending to travel in the Ismailia, Suez and Port Said governorates over the near-term are advised to monitor local security developments closely and should exercise a heightened degree of personal security awareness. Caution is advised near all police and military positions, facilities and personnel. Itineraries should be adjusted to accommodate potential road travel delays.

 

COTE D'IVOIRE - Cote d'Ivoire's Independence Day is celebrated annually across the country on 7 August. The celebrations commemorate the country's liberation from France. The event is marked by an array of cultural activities, including parades and other festivities. Opportunistic crimes, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing are prevalent at such gatherings and in the crowded areas of the country's larger urban centres, including Abidjan and the capital, Yamoussoukro where significant commemorative events are expected to be held. Although the political and security situation in the country continues to stabilise following a protracted period of armed conflict which followed the country's November 2010 presidential elections, the government of incumbent president Alassane Ouattara continues to face challenges in exerting control over many parts of the country. Of particular concern is the ongoing threat posed by militia groups thought to be aligned with incarcerated former president Laurent Gbagbo, who have and continue to execute attacks targeting state-aligned interests across the country. Rebels aligned to Ouattara as well as militants loyal to Gbagbo were charged for war crimes in July, two months before the country's presidential election set to take place in October 2015. Independence Day commemorations in 2012 were marred by several incidents of violence in Abidjan; as such there remains a credible threat of similar acts at the upcoming event.< br/>
Advice: Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire due to various security concerns. Furthermore, persons are advised against all travel to the western administrative regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra which border Liberia, as these areas are known to be particularly insecure due to the presence of numerous criminal groups and armed militias.
  

HONDURAS(TEGUCIGALPA) -  Activists are expected to participate in an anti-corruption protest march in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, on 7 August. Participants will gather at Plaza Tigo near Morazan Boulevard at 17:00 local time and proceed to the premises of the United Nations. The upcoming protest will be the latest in a series of agitations against alleged government corruption. Related protests have drawn large crowds and resulted in localised disruptions in the city. This precedent suggests that localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. It should be noted that protests in Honduras have the potential to turn violent and security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent. The risk to foreign travellers is considered incidental only. Clients in Tegucigalpa on 7 August are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions and avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest.

VENEZUELA - The opposition Mesa de la Unidad Democratica or Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) has called for protests in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, and all provincial capitals on 8 August. The protests have been called in response to shortages of basic commodities and against perceived government inefficiency and corruption. The exact locations of the protests are unclear. MUD, the country's primary opposition, has been particularly critical of the President Nicolas Maduro-led administration in recent months in light of an ongoing economic crisis and shortfall in basic commodities. The crisis has already triggered a number of protests in the country. Related gatherings and opposition political protests are expected to escalate in the coming months, ahead of legislative elections on 6 December. The demonstrations on 8 August are likely to be held near prominent government buildings or in major public squares. The risk of violence at all events is considered elevated. Clients in Venezuela are advised to monitor political developments closely ahead of the December elections. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

 

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